Whether your treadmill is old or your workout routine has changed, you may ask yourself, “Where do I donate a used treadmill?” A treadmill is not the easiest to donate, as it is large and difficult to move. Many of you may be uncertain of who takes used treadmills. Find out how and where you can donate your used treadmill in this blog post. Then, you can use your free space to upgrade to a new, better treadmill.
Who Accepts Treadmill Donations?
Before you bring your treadmill to a donation-based store like the Salvation Army or Goodwill, consider local organizations that may benefit from a treadmill donation. Perhaps your local senior center would benefit from a treadmill, a community/after-school program, or even a local high school. Be equipped to answer questions about the model and working order of the treadmill. Remember to keep track of the donation for your taxes as well.
Many local charities may be able to use treadmills, but you should double-check before you haul your treadmill all the way there. Do some research to find out what charities will accept your treadmill and get good use out of it. Donating benefits not only the charity but yourself as well – it feels good to give!
Does Goodwill Take Used Treadmills?
Goodwill no longer accepts treadmill donations. You could call your local Goodwill to make sure their policies do not differ, but it is unlikely. If Goodwill is your only local donation center and they do not accept your treadmill, you could list it on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace as “Free” or even haul it to the curb with a “free” sign posted on it. If you haven’t already, check with friends and family to see if they could use it.
Who Will Pick Up Donations For Free?
While this depends on where you live, many organizations offer to pick up donations for free. Here are a few of them:
- Salvation Army – see below for information about the Salvation Army’s capability to accept your used treadmill.
- Habitat for Humanity – Habitat ReStores are located across the United States, and what they accept will vary by location. Typically, ReStores stock up with building materials and other household items, but they may be able to take used gym equipment as well. Call your local branch to see if they will pick up your treadmill.
- The Arc – The Arc is an organization that helps kids and adults with disabilities.
- AMVETS National Service Foundation – call to see if they have a location near you and if so, if they will accept your treadmill.
Does the Salvation Army take treadmills?
Luckily, if you have a local Salvation Army, they do accept large exercise equipment like treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, and more. However, there are a few things you should do to ready your treadmill for donation. First, ensure the treadmill is in working order. The Salvation Army recommends that you call your local branch and check with them to see if they will accept your treadmill and if it meets quality standards. You should also ensure that your treadmill is clean at the time of donation. As mentioned above, with the Salvation Army you can trust that your donated items are going to a good cause. This organization supports victims of domestic violence, homeless children and families, the elderly, natural disaster victims, at-risk youth, and more.
Tips for Donating Your Treadmill
1. Call Ahead
Don’t turn what should be a good and charitable experience into a headache for you and your chosen charitable organization. Calling the location that you would like to donate to ensures that they accept your type of equipment and have room for it. Treadmills are bulky machines. Don’t try to force an organization to use up valuable floor space with an item they cannot use.
2. Don’t Use Donating As Free Garbage Disposal
If your treadmill needs serious repairs before it is returned to working order, a donation center probably can’t use it. It can be difficult to dispose of a broken treadmill that you cannot afford to fix, but don’t turn a donation into a burden for the organization. Donated treadmills should be clean and in working condition. If it is unsuitable for donation, you can check with the manufacturer for the proper disposal procedures, contact your local recycling center and scrap yard, or haul the treadmill to the landfill.
3. If Your Treadmill Stops Working, Don’t Assume It Is Broken
Treadmills require regular maintenance. A treadmill deck and belt will eventually need to be replaced. Other components may also need to be replaced. Typically, replacing these components is more affordable than replacing the whole treadmill. You could repair your treadmill. If you have decided to donate, be upfront about what repairs may be needed before dropping off your machine or scheduling a pickup. There’s also nothing wrong with just feeling like it’s time to upgrade.
4. Treadmill Warranties Don’t Transfer
While you can’t control the treadmill manufacturer’s policies, consider what time you have remaining on the warranty. A treadmill warranty will not typically transfer to the new treadmill owner.
Thank you for considering donating your treadmill! You are helping others who cannot afford a new treadmill and keeping exercise equipment out of the landfill!
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